BN chairperson Premier Najib Abdul Razak today conceded that Umno will have to consider the "feelings" of other BN component parties before loftily making unilateral policy decisions on the coalition's behalf.

bn convension 20101205 najib 02 "We understand and it works both ways. We have to be sensitive about the feelings of all component parties," said the premier in a press conference after the BN convention in Kuala Lumpur today.

However the wily BN leader added that Umno's willingness to thinking about the "feelings" of BN components must be reciprocated.

"It doesn’t mean Umno alone, but MCA, MIC; it applies to all and not Umno alone," he argued.

The PM without saying as much, was probably referring to statements by BN component parties that contradicted Umno and the federal government on matters like the slew of 'racist' educators and civil servants.

Najib was responding to a question about MCA president Chua Soi Lek's speech at the convention earlier that chided Umno for making and announcing government policies at the Malay parties' meetings and events instead of at the BN level.

In his speech, Chua had also asked BN leaders to avoid talking on sensitive issues like Malay supremacy.

Coy about GE

Najib welcomed Chua’s latter comment, saying that it would be a good strategy to portray BN as a multi-ethnic group not dominated by any race or party.

"We would like to because we want BN to be strong; and it’s the only reliable multi-racial coalition in fact," said the prime minister.

selangor water demo water cannons Asked about the water tussle in Selangor and the rally ( left ) held today by the state government, who is asking for the intervention of the King, Najib blamed the matter on the Pakatan-led Selangor government.

"The problem is because the state has a very different position on the water problem. It’s a serious problem and we should set aside politics and look at the interest of the people more than anything else."

Quizzed if the convention signals that a general election is around the corner, Najib was coy.

"I know the press is obsessed with the general election but we want this (the convention) as a process to strengthen BN continuously. It’s not just directed at PRU13 but it’s an ongoing process."

"Up to us to decide when it can be done," taunted Najib.

As if to provide further proof that the general election is not really close, Najib revealed that the sensitive question of seat allocation has not been broached.

"That has not been discussed yet. However, whatever it is it will be based on the spirit of BN and we will negotiate with all BN component parties," he said.